My Top Five Vegan Foundations!

Looking for an updated version of this list?  Check this post here!

Not pictured:  Hourglass Immaculate Foundation

I have combination to oily skin, so please keep that in mind when reading this. However, I combat this fact by using a great primer (usually Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer) to make my skin appear a little more normal. I fully believe that all of these foundations can be worn by all skin types.

1. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 – 1.7 oz - $38.00

This is definitely my current favorite foundation. It is NOT full coverage immediately, but you can very easily build it up to be. I have been wearing this as both my foundation and concealer. It has fantastic coverage, even when applied lightly, and offers good oil control. I haven’t had any issues with patchiness, and although I wouldn’t say it lasts 12 hours on me, I definitely get a minimum of eight hours. They want you to use their big bamboo brush with this foundation, and while I agree that a large, dense synthetic brush is necessary, I strongly dislike the size of the brush head. I use a Real Techniques buffing brush, the Sephora Mineral Powder Brush #45, the Sephora Pro Airbrush #55 or #56, or the Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush if you get my second favorite foundation.

2. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation – 1 oz - $38.00

This foundation is everything you want out of a lightweight foundation. It offers color coverage without adding any texture (which is both good and bad, depending on your needs). It feels amazing because it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, yet for those with no texture issues, you will be left with flawless skin. I am a huge fan of the finish of this foundation, and really love it. This is a fantastic foundation for anyone who likes how lightweight a tinted moisturizer is, but want more coverage. This foundation nearly won out the spot for number one, but I am in a long term relationship with my Amazonian Clay foundation at this point. They want you to apply it with their smaller, dense, synthetic fiber brush, and re-designed their pre-exisiting Good Karma foundation brush to make it perform even better with the formula. Important notes: it’s very liquid-y, and you have to shake the bottle before each application.

3. Beauty Without Cruelty Ultimate Natural Liquid Makeup-up – 0.5 oz - $23.95

I hadn’t realized that this was only a half an ounce, and that’s mainly because this bottle has lasted me so long (and still isn’t finished). It’s a beautiful, naturally radiant formula that looks like your skin, only better. I would compare the finish to NARS Sheer Glow, so if you prefer a more matte look, or are more on the oily side, you’ll need a good primer and setting powder. It applies easily, and it’s also wonderful with a fluffy, dense, synthetic brush (though I’ve also used a beauty blender type sponge and a flat foundation brush with no issue). It’s a great foundation since it’s so natural looking, I can’t imagine anyone truly disliking the finish. I will warn that the shades run possibly a tad dark, so keep that in mind when you order. I wear fair, and it’s still possibly a little too dark for me.

4. Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation – 1 oz - $55.00

Where to begin: I love this foundation. If price were no factor in how I graded things, this foundation would certainly be in the top three. However, it is a little pricy and it kills me just a little every time I walk by it at work (because I’ll never bring it home with me). The price, however, is due from it’s promises (not claims!) that you do NOT need a powder with it, it WILL control oil, and it WILL have and maintain a matte finish all day. That is a pretty big list of demands, but this foundation delivers. I pair it with the Mineral Veil Primer and a stippling or buffing brush, and couldn’t be happier. The coverage is great and the range of colors is excellent (except for deep to very deep skin tones).

5. Pumpkin and Poppy Full Coverage Mineral Foundation – 30 grams - $10.75 (on sale)

I am not a huge fan of mineral powders of any sort, but I do make an exception when it comes to Pumpkin and Poppy. The owner is a long time internet friend, and I know that a lot of time and love goes into every product she creates. She worked very hard to bring out a full coverage mineral powder foundation that also has a large range of shades. She is currently reformulating all of her foundations, so look for those to return later this year. Another awesome thing about Pumpkin & Poppy? In the past, you could order a "refill" for your empty foundation, which helps reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills! I think she will be bringing this program back. She also offered custom mixed colors (ie: if you find that mixing two parts of one foundation to one part of another was your perfect shade, she'd send you that, instead of having to buy both).